The International Film Festival Fribourg has dedicated ist anniversary to women. More than half of the 126 films screened have been directed by woman directors. Thus, Fribourg set an example in a male dominated industry.
The "Regard d'Or", the main prize of the festival, was awarded to a woman director as well, to Yaelle Kayam from Israel for her film "Mountain". The Ecumenical Jury awarded the Columbian entry "Alias Maria", directed by José Luis Rugeles. "Song of Songs" by Eva Neyman from Ukraine won the prize of the FIPRESCI Jury. The film received a Commendation by the Ecumenical Jury in Karlovy Vary 2015 before.
The retrospective presented women directors from the silent era till today, starting already at the opening with the film pioneer Alice Guy. Women in front of the camera were taken into regard as well as women's stories. A special section "Diaspora: Mira Nair and India" was dedicated to the best known Indian female director who, as guest of the festival, presented two of her own films: the unforgettable "Salaam Bombay", and her latest to date, "The Reluctant Fundamentalist". The competition for long films, from which the ecumenical jury chose its winner, included thirteen entries from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe.
Link: Festival website